Connecting Toronto

August 8, 2017

Federal money helps keep the TTC on modernization track

Earlier this week (Aug. 1), I joined Toronto Mayor John Tory and TTC Chair Josh Colle at our Hillcrest operating base to witness progress on construction of a new streetcar facility that includes rail bending capabilities.

This is a new building that will enable TTC staff to prepare and pre-assemble new streetcar rail for future rail replacement projects.

While not particularly glamorous, it represents real progress in two important ways.

First, this work is one of many new projects underway that have funding from the federal government as part of its Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) allocation to Toronto, with the balance coming from City Council.

Second, this project enables us to deliver increased operational efficiency. Consolidating all rail bending operations into a modern, fit-for-purpose facility will save the TTC $1.8 million annually, money that can be put back into improved service for you, our customers.

A raft of other projects is underway to make full use of this hard-won funding. Over the next two years, nearly 800 new buses will come into service, replacing vehicles that are nearing the end of their useful life.

These improvements are all part of modernizing your TTC and creating a better, more reliable transit service for Toronto. We are grateful to the federal government for their help in modernizing your TTC.

Take the TTC to the Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade

TTC is adding extra service to get you to down to the celebrations for the PeeksToronto Caribbean Carnival.

The Grand Parade is this Sat., Aug. 6. To get to Exhibition Place, consider taking the following routes:

121 Fort York-Esplanade bus westbound (board bus at street level at Front and Bay Sts.) to Fort York Blvd. and Fleet St. and walk five minutes.

193 Exhibition Rocket Express from Dundas West Station

504 King streetcar westbound from King or St Andrew stations to King St. and Strachan Ave. and walk 5-10 minutes

509 Harbourfront streetcars westbound from Union Station to Exhibition Loop

511 Bathurst streetcar southbound from Bathurst Station to Exhibition Loop

Some routes will also be diverting for the event:

510 Spadina route will turn back at Queens Quay loop, located at Queens Quay and Spadina Ave.

514 Cherry route will turn back at Charlotte loop, located at the intersection of King and Charlotte Sts.

As always, be sure to check ttc.ca or use your favourite trip planner on your smartphone to plan your trip. TTC ambassadors will also be stationed throughout the system to help you get around.

In Review

Last weekend, Line 1 Yonge-University was closed from St George to Sheppard West stations to allow TTC crews to continue installing and testing the new Automatic Train Control (ATC) signal system.

The following work was completed:

116 operators made a combined total of 300 trial trips using the ATC signal system

Approximately 26,000 ft. of cable was installed from Wilson Station to Clanton Park portal

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience as we complete work that will make the TTC more modern, efficient and safer.

For more information on subway closures and surface diversions, visit the Service Advisories.

Use the TTC Day Pass to get around this holiday weekend

This long weekend, explore the city using the TTC’s Day Pass. For just $12.50, the pass provides unlimited travel for a group of up to six people, maximum two adults over 19.

Passes are valid from the date shown on the pass until 5:30 a.m. the next day. Purchase a pass at any collector booth or participating TTC fare agent.

Day Passes are ideal for:

1 adult and no more than 5 youths 13 to 19 years of age

2 adults and no more than 4 youths 13 to 19 years of age

2 adults

Children 12 and under ride for free.

Employee Profile

Name: Austin JonesPosition: Co-op student, Community Relations

I am currently a co-op student at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University. This is my first summer at the TTC, working as a Community Liaison Assistant for our Community Relations department. Each day with Community Relations is vastly different, keeping my summer both busy and interesting! What I enjoy most about my role is having so many opportunities to get away from my desk. I’ve been able to explore new corners of our city, connect with local communities, collaborate with different departments, and participate in many of our events, including Doors Open TO and Newcomer Day. It’s an extremely exciting time to be at the TTC and I’m proud to have a hand in moving our organization forward, even if only for four short months.